Tarrazú · Variety
Caturra in Tarrazú
Tarrazú is known for costa rica's premier appellation and the cradle of the honey-process revolution, and Caturra is one of the varieties behind that reputation. The region's farms sit at 1,200–1,900 m — Caturra's preferred range is 1,200–1,900 m — and harvest runs december – march, the window in which the variety's character is decided in the field.
Caturra brings its own agronomic personality to Tarrazú: a dwarf/compact, high planting density plant with high (with fertilization) yield potential, and disease behavior best summarized as highly susceptible to leaf rust. Regional processing leans on honey, washed, natural, which shapes how the variety's raw material reaches the cup.
Tasted side by side with the same variety from other regions, Tarrazú's expression stands apart: the variety contributes bright citric acidity, sugar-cane sweetness, lighter body than bourbon, while the regional cup runs toward orange, honey, and red fruit with fine bright acidity; honey lots add syrupy tropical sweetness. That interaction — genetics times place — is exactly what regional sourcing is about.
Key facts
| Region | Tarrazú |
|---|---|
| Country | Costa Rica |
| Region altitude | 1,200–1,900 m |
| Variety optimal altitude | 1,200–1,900 m |
| Harvest | December – March |
| Species | Arabica |
| Lineage | Natural dwarf mutation of Bourbon, discovered in Minas Gerais, Brazil (1930s) |
| Disease resistance | Highly susceptible to leaf rust |
| Regional cup profile | Orange, honey, and red fruit with fine bright acidity; honey lots add syrupy tropical sweetness. |
Caturra in Tarrazú — frequently asked questions
Does Caturra grow well in Tarrazú?
Yes — the region's 1,200–1,900 m range overlaps the variety's preferred 1,200–1,900 m, and local processing traditions (honey, washed, natural) suit its characteristics. It is one of the varieties Tarrazú is known for.
What does Tarrazú Caturra taste like?
Expect bright citric acidity, sugar-cane sweetness, lighter body than bourbon, expressed through the region's typical character: orange, honey, and red fruit with fine bright acidity; honey lots add syrupy tropical sweetness.
When is Caturra from Tarrazú harvested?
The regional harvest runs december – march; fresh lots typically reach export markets one to three months after milling.
Volcana Coffee grows high-altitude Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta in our own volcanic region — the Bolaven Plateau, Laos. Compare our terroir against any region in the world, cup to cup.
Request a Sample